Cochin Haneefa's last journey

Top comedian, character actor, writer and director Cochin Haneefa (59) passed away recently. His body was laid to rest with full state honours at the Central Juma Masjid. Earlier, his body was kept at the Ambedkar Stadium Ground to let the public pay their last respects to their beloved actor.

Thousands of people came to the stadium to get a last glimpse of their dear Haneefakka. His body was also taken to his ancestral home at Pulleppady where his family members, relatives, colleagues, various political and cultural leaders, and fans had gathered.

The Malayalam film industry, represented by actors Mammootty, Mohanlal, Innocent, Dileep, Jayaram, Mala Aravindan, Kaviyoor Ponnamma, Kaavya Madhavan, Bhavna and directors Joshy, Fazil, Sidhique, Kamal and Renji Panikker, along with other actors and technicians, queued up to pay their homage to the veteran of hundreds of movies.

Before taking the body to the Central Juma Masjid, his colleagues from filmdom offered the Namaz-e-Mayyit (last ritual) at the Ambedkar Stadium. Actor Sidhique led the prayer. State honour was also given to the departed soul with three rounds fired into the air.

Cochin Haneefa, one of the most versatile talents the Malayalam film industry has ever seen, is survived by wife Fazila and twin daughters Safa and Marwa.